Marine Barracks Washington, known as "8th and I" is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps. It's located on the corners of 8th and I Streets in southeast Washington DC and the Barracks supports both ceremonial and security assignments in DC. The location was actually selected by then President Thomas Jefferson and the second commandant of the Marine Corps for no other reason than it was within easy marching distance of the Capitol.

The house of the commandant of the Marine Corps (the big white house above) is located here and is actually the oldest surviving Government building in DC. This is because the English burnt all other buildings when it was attacked in 1814, only leaving this one.

During the summer months the Marine Barracks conducts an evening parade every Friday, which is open to the public (tickets are very difficult to get). The parade features the United States Marine Band, the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers and SGT Chesty XII (a bulldog), the official mascot of the Marine Barracks Washington.

We were very fortunate to get tickets to the parade from one of the Officers stationed there (thanks Harry), as well as an invitation to Center House (Officers Mess) for drinks and snacks both before and after the parade. Carol was a little apprehensive, having never seen a military parade of sorts but we headed off for a night of entertainment with our neighbors, Phil and Jane. For each parade there is always a guest of honor, to review the parade. The night we were there was a wrestler from the WWF or something like that. Apparently he is very supportive of the USO programs and has visited troops in the Middle East on a number of occasions. He just didn't look very military like, with his long hair and big beard.

The highlight had to be the Silent Drill Platoon, as they did a series of drill maneuvers, all without a single command. To top it off they would spin and throw their rifles, all while fitted with bayonets....very impressive to watch. The parade was topped off by Ode to Joy, complete with canons firing.

Carol certainly wasn't disappointed and we both really enjoyed the night. If you're in DC during the summer months and you're able to get tickets, we can highly recommend checking out this parade.